Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 3 mins
Total Time 43 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

This Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken is a rich, bright, and aromatic chicken dish simmered in a silky coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice, garlic, and warm spices. It’s an easy stovetop dinner that brings together tropical flavors and comforting creaminess—perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. This recipe is naturally halal, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (trimmed)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
    • For the Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 2.5 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey (optional, balances acidity)
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
  • 0.25 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
    • For Serving (Optional)
  • Steamed rice
  • Coconut rice
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
    Season the Chicken
  1. 1
    Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure the seasoning coats evenly so the meat gets a flavorful crust during searing.
    2. Sear the Chicken
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point.
    3. Sauté the Aromatics
  3. 3
    In the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
    4. Build the Coconut Lime Sauce
  4. 4
    Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Whisk gently to combine. Add lime zest, lime juice, honey, turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and ground coriander. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
    5. Return the Chicken & Simmer
  5. 5
    Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
    6. Rest & Finish with Freshness
  6. 6
    Turn off heat and let the dish rest for 3 minutes. This helps the sauce settle. Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional lime wedges if you prefer extra brightness.
    7. Serve
  7. 7
    Serve warm over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles to soak up the creamy, citrusy sauce.
Note

Make it spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a sliced green chili.

Make it creamier: Add 2–3 tbsp extra coconut milk at the end.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop; add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens.

Freezing: The cooked chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months.

Serving ideas: Serve with rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, naan, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Keywords: creamy chicken, coconut lime chicken, easy dinner, stovetop chicken, weeknight meal
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/creamy-coconut-lime-chicken-recipe/